TRIDIL

Drug Name: TRIDIL

TRIDIL DESCRIPTION:
NITROGLYCERIN - INJECTION (nye-troh-GLISS-er-in)

COMMON TRIDIL BRAND NAME(S):
Nitro-Bid, Tridil

TRIDIL SIDE EFFECTS:
Headache, dizziness, unusual weakness, nausea, vomiting and sweating may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly any fainting, loss of bowel or bladder control, unusually slow or fast heartbeat and vision problems. Very unlikely but report promptly any increase in chest pain (this may result from a large decrease in blood pressure). Headache may be relieved by use of acetaminophen as directed. Headache can be a sign the medication is working properly. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE TRIDIL:
TRIDIL: TRIDIL is given by vein (IV), diluted in a sugar or saline IV solution. The dosage is based on facts such as your blood pressure, symptoms, degree of heart failure or chest pain, age and overall medical condition. Your body may get used to the drug (tolerance), may not work as well and may require an increase in dosage. TRIDIL is absorbed by plastics, so the dosage varies depending on the type of IV you have. All usage instructions must be followed carefully.

TRIDIL USES:
TRIDIL is used to control high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, lung congestion and chest pain especially in heart attack patients. It decreases the workload on the heart by enlarging (dilating) blood vessels.

TRIDIL PRECAUTIONS:
Before using TRIDIL, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), head injury/internal bleeding (increased intracranial pressure), anemia, any heart diseases, low blood pressure. Avoid alcohol while receiving TRIDIL since it may aggravate side effects. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. TRIDIL should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if TRIDIL is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is advised if TRIDIL is used in children. A blood disorder (methemoglobinemia) may occur rarely in small children. Caution is advised when TRIDIL is used in the elderly.

TRIDIL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially heparin, drugs for high blood pressure (e.g., "ACE Inhibitors" such as fosinopril or lisinopril, alpha blockers such as prazosin or doxazosin, beta-blockers such as propranolol), antipsychotics for mental conditions (e.g., chlorpromazine, haloperidol), other nitrate drugs such as isosorbide, "dopamine-like" drugs such as bromocriptine or cabergoline; and sildenafil. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

TRIDIL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include a persistent, throbbing headache; dizziness; confusion; weakness; sweating; changes in heart rate; changes in vision; flushing; nausea; and vomiting.

TRIDIL NOTES:
Frequent medical tests (e.g., blood pressure, heart monitoring) will be done to monitor for effectiveness and side effects.

MISSED TRIDIL DOSE:
Not applicable as TRIDIL is given by continuous infusion.

TRIDIL STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not freeze.